Scalise named honorary coach of College World Series after shooting

House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) has been named an honorary coach for his alma mater Louisiana State University at the upcoming College World Series after he was injured in a shooting Wednesday at a practice for the congressional baseball game.

LSU coach Paul Mainieri made the announcement Thursday, saying Scalise is in their prayers.

“He really is in our thoughts and prayers,” Mainieri said Thursday. “We’re hoping that he’s going to have a full recovery and a speedy recovery but my understanding is he’s having to deal with some real issues here.”

Scalise will be an honorary coach for the LSU Tigers as they attempt to win the 8-team tournament, which begins Saturday.

The Louisiana Republican is an outspoken LSU fan, and the team showed their support for Scalise after he was hospitalized by sending uniforms for lawmakers to wear during this year’s congressional baseball game.

Democrats won the annual charity contest 11-2 on Thursday, and gave the trophy to Scalise, who remains in the hospital. Doctors said on Friday that Scalise has had multiple surgeries after being shot once in the hip, and will likely remain in the hospital for weeks.

On Wednesday, a gunman attacked Republican lawmakers practicing in Alexandria, Virginia with a rifle, injuring five including Scalise.